It is August. Summer is slipping by. Have you gone adventurous yet in your drinks? (a little, but not adventurous enough?) If that is the case, then American Bars notes the seven standout trends for 2016. Try them now, while your summer is still sizzling.
1. Negroni slushies
This classic cocktail has made a major comeback (there’s even an entire calendar week celebrating the beloved drink), so why not freeze the up a batch of the beverage and serve it frozen for summer sipping?
When done up right, this sips like an adult version of the Icee. It’s made with Letherbee Gin, Luxardo Bitter, sweet vermouth and citrus. The chilly drink pairs incredibly well with fried chicken.
2. Black beverages
Are you into Steampunk? The "Goth" ingredients like black sesame and activated charcoal turn this drink into a rich, black hue. The good news: these sexy spirits taste terrific.
What’s in it? Jagermeister, activated charcoal, lemon juice, tarragon syrup and sea salt, then top it with sparkling wine. Alternative: A Dark Art made with Maker’s 46, black sesame orgeat, activated charcoal, lime, Angostura bitters and a Jasmine flower garnish. And keep this one in mind for Halloween in a few months.
3. Buzzy coffee-infused booze
Move over, Irish coffee; caffeine-based cocktails are getting an upgrade. Today, we’re seeing new buzzy alcohol-infused beverages with high-end ingredients that can hold their own on legit cocktail menus.
One prime example is called the Dirty White Russian. For this tipple, you blend cold brew with infused Cathead vanilla vodka, Kahlua and Sucré gelato base for a dessert-hybrid that’s served in a sleek glass. Another version is the Cafe Millonario made with espresso, coffee-infused Bacardi Black rum, Tonka-infused maple syrup, dark chocolate and Aztec bitters.
4. Sips straight from the 1970s
Lately, AB has been seeing a lot of nothing but classic cocktails — from the Old Fashioned to the Moscow Mule — and there’s nothing wrong with that. But the ‘70s are making a comeback, bringing fun back behind the bar. Get some funky bell bottoms on, turn up the classic rock music of the ‘70s, and be drinking more Grasshoppers.
Remember the Wallbanger? “Harvey Slambanger” and the Pink Lady are newfangled versions. Look them up along with newer trends of refreshingly creamy Grasshoppers and Long Island Iced Tea, among other updated old-school favorites.
5.Chilled red wine
Americans often drink red wine too warm. Enter chilled red, which is perfect for summer sipping. When it's hot out, a chilled drink is more refreshing, even when its red. Most Americans are still drinking their reds too warm, and room temperature is typically 72 degrees or so — much too warm for wine, so what we're calling 'chilled' might actually be more in line with a good drinking temperature, about 66 degrees.”
6. Cool copper vessels
From tiki tumblers to opened-mouth sharks, the perfect cocktail calls for the right vessel. Absolut Elyx took the market by storm with its copper pineapple — the sweetest vessel for serving cocktails to the cool kids. This season’s follow-up model will be a gnome — in signature copper, naturally. The story behind the gnome is that in Swedish folklore, it’s used to guard the house while the owners are away.
The new gnome will be available to purchase online this October, and the signature pineapple is available with a bottle of the company’s luxury vodka for $140.
7. Pisco craft cocktails
Once a spirit served only in Peru, this punchy South American brandy is making an appearance on more cocktail menus. Aside from the traditional Pisco Punch or Sour, the spirit is being swirled with fresh fruit or housemade syrups for a sophisticated upgrade.
Whip up the Verano Suyo, made with Macchu Pisco, ginger syrup, muddled strawberries and lime juice.
Get to it!
